Fiction

Feb 09: Brad Taylor with End of Days

February 9, 2022

Book 16 in the NYT Bestselling Pike Logan Series

Listener favorite Brad Taylor returns with his latest Pike Logan thriller, End of Days. While working to solve a brutal murder, taskforce operators Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill stumble upon the trail of a serial killer loose on the streets of Rome, and follow evidence leading to the exalted Knights of Malta.

We discuss Brad’s biggest challenge in writing End of Days. How – known for his active boots on the ground approach to research – Brad gathered details for End of Days during a pandemic. Why he included Covid. Where and why he took creative license. How Brad’s daughter inspired one of the scenes … and more.

About Brad Taylor

Brad Taylor retired as a Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel after serving 21 years, including including eight years in 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment – popularly known as Delta Force. He’s the author of 16 New York Times bestselling books including American Traitor, Hunter Killer, and his latest, End of Days.

Fiction, Writers on Writing

Jan 19: #1 NYT Bestselling Author Jacquelyn Mitchard with The Good Son

January 19, 2022

Her very first novel was also Oprah’s very first book pick!

Since then, Jacquelyn Mitchard has become one of America’s iconic storytellers. Today we talk about her amazing journey from newspaper reporter to bestselling author.

Jacquelyn shares how a dropped book in a coffee line inspired the story for The Good Son. She shares why she keeps her characters “on a short leash”; how she created sympathetic characters even though they are heavily flawed. And why, after all her success, she still has a hard time introducing herself as an author.

About Jacquelyn Mitchard

Jacquelyn Mitchard is the New York Times bestselling author of 22 novels for adults and teenagers, and the recipient of Great Britain’s Talkabout prize, The Bram Stoker, and Shirley Jackson awards. Her first novel, The Deep End of the Ocean — the inaugural selection of the Oprah Winfrey Book Club — was later adapted into a feature film starring Michelle Pfeiffer.

Fiction, Suspense, Writers on Writing

Dec 16: Last Girl Ghosted with NYT Bestselling Author Lisa Unger

December 15, 2021

Think Twice Before You Swipe

Whether or not you’ve already dated online, Lisa Unger‘s Last Girl Ghosted will definitely make you think twice before you swipe. As well as the dangers of online dating, this suspense story touches on mental health, family abuse, and a survivalist lifestyle.

Today we talk about why Lisa says love is not an algorithm. How she crafted her protagonist, flaws and all. The most challenging parts of writing … or not. What Lisa’s mom asked her to change in the book. And … did she change it?

About Lisa Unger

Lisa Unger is a New York Times and internationally bestselling author. With books published in 30 languages and millions of copies sold worldwide, she is widely regarded as a master of suspense. Her latest novel is LAST GIRL GHOSTED.

Fiction, History, Writers on Writing

DEC 08: Love, Theodosia with Lori Anne Goldstein

December 8, 2021

Historical love story inspired by Hamilton

LOVE, THEODOSIA takes place during the post-American Revolution era. After seeing the hit musical, Hamilton, author Lori Anne Goldstein started questioning “what if?” That led her to conjure a tale of Philip Hamilton and Theodosia Burr–a vibrant feminist, ahead of her time, who was lost at sea.

We discuss how Lori captured the essence of real life characters that she fictionalizes in Love, Theodosia. What went into her research. Some of the challenges her characters faced. And how Lori went from YA author to writing historical fiction.

About Lori Anne Goldstein

A creative writing instructor, Lori Anne Goldstein is the author of four young adult novels. She credits her journalism background with giving her the skills and desire to conduct the extensive research at the core of her adult historical debut, LOVE, THEODOSIA.

Fiction, Suspense, Thriller

NOV 10: Alice Henderson with A Blizzard of Polar Bears

November 10, 2021

Author of A Solitude of Wolverines

From writing official novels for TV shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Supernatural, to creating a strong female protagonist in wildlife biologist, Alex Carter.

Alice Henderson’s love of wilderness, wildlife, and science inspired the Alex Carter thriller series. Today we are transported to Churchill, Manitoba for her latest adventure.

We discuss how Alice’s diverse background led to her dynamic career as a wildlife researcher and novelist. How her character, Alex Carter, came to her. Alice’s favorite, and least favorite, scenes to write. Some of the research that went into developing A Blizzard of Polar Bears. And, yes, of course we talked about polar bears, climate change, and nature!

About Alice Henderson

The author of more than 13 books, Alice Henderson is a dedicated wildlife researcher. She uses a variety of methods, including bioacoustic studies, to identify species present on conservation lands. Using geographic information systems, she also designs wildlife corridors. Alice Henderson has surveyed for the presence of grizzlies, wolves, spotted owls, wolverines, jaguars, endangered bats, and more.

Fiction, Writers on Writing

OCT 20: Juliette Fay with Catch Us When We Fall

October 20, 2021

Catch Us When We Fall delivers a character who seems beyond help — but is anybody ever beyond reach?

Her characters first appeared in a dream, and today we learn how Juliette Fay always knew she’d write a story about an alcoholic.

Juliette shares her research into AA, recovery, and the fears addicts often have about getting sober. How childhood trauma can shape our lives. The development of protagonists, Cass and Scott. And what’s coming next for this bestselling author.

About Juliette Fay

Juliette Fay is the bestselling author of five previous novels including City of Flickering Light and The Tumbling Turner Sisters, a USA Today bestseller. Her book awards include: Library Journal’s Top 5 Best Books of 2012-Women’s Fiction, a Massachusetts Book Award Must-Read Book, and Indie Next pick. Juliette is a graduate of Harvard University.

Fiction

SEP 15: Robert Dugoni with The World Played Chess

September 15, 2021

A story of hope, breaking away, shaping a life, finding one’s place in the world

Robert Dugoni returns to talk about his latest novel The World Played Chess, a coming of age story told from three different perspectives and timelines.

We explore the story behind the story, and what drove Robert to tell it. He shares why it’s his most personal work to date. Where he gathered inspiration for his characters and research on Vietnam. And what Robert means by “life’s not a straight line”.

About Robert Dugoni

Robert Dugoni is the critically acclaimed New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Charts bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite series. He also wrote The David Sloane series, Charles Jenkins series, and several stand-alone novels including The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell (listen to podcast). More about Dugoni’s books and The World Played Chess.

Fiction, Writers on Writing

AUG 19: NYT Bestselling Novelist Heather Gudenkauf Shares Summer Reads

August 19, 2021

5 books to read & authors to look out for

Heather Gudenkauf takes a break from her busy schedule to share four of her summer reading recommendations with us — from laugh-out-loud funny to darker suspense, crime, and mystery.

And to complete the list we’re adding Heather’s most recent thriller, This is How I Lied.

Grab a pen and notepad, and listen up!

About Heather Gudenkauf

Heather Gudenkauf is the Edgar Award nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Weight of Silence, These Things Hidden, Not A Sound, and This is How I Lied. Heather has worked with students of all ages during her career and continues to work in education as a Title I Reading Coordinator.

Fiction, Poetry, Writers on Writing

AUG 11: Summer Reads & Celebrations with Susan Wiggs & Maggie Smith

August 11, 2021

One novelist. One poet. A whole lot of good reading!

“Even sitting closed on a shelf, a book had a life of its own.”
― Susan Wiggs

Today #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs shares some of her favorite books for summer reading, authors to follow, and her best summer cocktail recipe.

Susan joined us last year with her latest novel, The Lost and Found Bookshop. Now she celebrates the premium edition, which includes special features, including book club resources. But Susan’s favorite feature of the new edition is the recipe in the back of the book. It’s ” … the best banana bread in the world!” she says. Find earlier conversations with Susan Wiggs here .

Long-celebrated in the poetry community for her lyricism and style, Pushcart Prizewinning poet Maggie Smith gained star status in 2016 with her viral poem Good Bones.

Today, Maggie shares her latest collection, Goldenrod. Celebrating “the contours of daily life”, Goldenrod explores the space between thought and experience – reminding us that we decide what is beautiful. Maggie reads and discusses a couple of her poems with us. And shares her writing journey, and why poetry is her chosen form.

About Susan Wiggs

Susan Wiggs’ novels have appeared in the #1 spot on the New York Times Bestseller List, and have been translated into more than 20 languages, and read in over 30 countries. A former Harvard graduate, Susan Wiggs has been featured in the national media, including NPR, PRI, and USA Today.

Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith is the bestselling author of Good Bones, The Well Speaks of Its Own Poison, Lamp of the Body, and the national bestseller Keep Moving: Notes on Loss, Creativity, and Change. A 2011 recipient of a Creative Writing Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, Smith has received several awards including a Pushcart Prize.

Fiction, Short Stories

AUG 04: The Impossible Shore with Marc Porter Zasada

August 4, 2021

“The universe gives and…takes away, but the taking is sudden, while the giving is slow.”

When Marc Porter Zasada wrote The Impossible Shore, he set out with two intentions: “To explore the way in which we don’t so much move through time, as become different people, in different times. But more importantly, to understand how each person’s longing for ‘the infinite’… pulls us relentlessly forward.”

Marc’s new book is a story cycle of 14 related tales exploring cultural perspectives, belief systems, and connections. Today we discuss some of his inspirations, challenges, and thoughts on storytelling and life. He also reads passages from The Impossible Shore.

About Marc Porter Zasada

Marc Porter Zasada is best known for his six years of commentaries as The Urban Man on NPR, KCRW, Los Angeles. His many careers range from newspaper editor to high-tech marketer, podcaster, and author. As a book reviewer, he was one of the founders of the Bay Area Book Awards. The Impossible Shore is Marc’s first book.

Feb 09: Brad Taylor with End of Days